The International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems

In 1999, a United Nations declaration called for action to improve the efficiency and security of transport, search and rescue, and geodesy by promoting universal access to, and compatibility of, space-based navigation and positioning systems. An action team on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) was established in 2001 which subsequently led to the establishment of an international committee on GNSS (ICG) to promote the use of GNSS infrastructure on a global basis.

The ICG held its first meeting in Vienna, Austria on Nov. 1-2, 2006 to discuss GNSS applications including safety and economic development, particularly the efficiency and safety of transport, search and rescue, geodesy, land management and sustainable development. The goal was to promote cooperation, where appropriate, on matters of mutual interest related to civil satellite-based positioning, navigation, timing and value-added services. The ICG also promoted the compatibility and interoperability of global navigation satellite systems, while increasing their use to support sustainable development, particularly in developing countries.

The second meeting of the ICG was held on Sept. 5-7, 2007 in Bangalore, India. A Providers Forum was established with the aim of promoting greater compatibility and interoperability among current and future providers of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems. The current members of the Providers Forum, including China, India, Japan, the European Community, the Russian Federation and the United States, addressed key issues such as ensuring protection of GNSS spectrum and matters related to orbital debris/orbit de-confliction.

The Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), acting as the Secretariat for the ICG and Providers Forum, is maintaining all the operational work for the ICG and implementing the objectives of the working group on "Information Dissemination" of the work plan of the ICG.

For further information please visit the Information Portal of ICG or e-mail OOSA.